Hi Toni, great to hear what you said - you sound just like me. Take control of what you have, research the hell out of it and try to understand what it is you’re up against. I’ll keep you posted on my next set of tests and how well my supplements have helped. You probably already know but Lycopene (as a supplement) is good for getting the cholesterol down and science sources have also suggested it kills cancer stem cells....it’s used a lot in prostate cancer. All the best. Reuben PS I like your juicing recipes, I load mine up with linseeds, heaps of ginger, turmeric and greens.....starting to get used to the taste! ... View more

Hi Jack-Es, thanks for getting back to me. I hope it all goes well for you and you have  the right gist profile that responds well to Imanitib. I’ve been taking it for just over 2 and a half months now and I can honestly say I’ve had very few side effects which is lucky when you consider  what other people go through. The only things it effected were in my blood results: low neutrophils, platelets were down and for some reason, my cholesterol has been smashed - my LDL is well below average. My liver readings are also acceptable. I’ve had good shrinkage and happy with progress so far. I’m new to this cancer but I do recommend keeping as fit as you possibly can and be really strict with a healthy diet especially while you’re on Glivec. If you drink alcohol, give it up especially while you’re on chemo. I’m 63 and in NSW. Keep in touch and good luck with the medication. Cheers ... View more

Hi Ferd1, I’ve got some largish tumours about 7 - 9 cm and want them removed. Who did you see and where did you have it done.........I would prefer to have mine done through laparoscopy. Cheers ... View more

Hi Toni3, thanks for replying. My current oncologist on the Central Coast is from RNSH and he’s lining me up for some ablation at the RNSH if my tumours shrink enough over the next 3 months. I think it’s important to get them out ASAP to minimise the possibility of the cancer mutating and building resistance to the drug. I’ll probably be seeing your surgeon, there’s not a lot of experts around.   I’ve also got a precursor condition (since 2013) called MGUS that could turn into multiple myeloma which I’ve been keeping at bay for the last 5 years using 8g of Curcumin per day - this really works. It’s also helpful with gist but not as well as it does in MGUS. I’ve read quite a few science articles that IGCG (green tea) and Honokiol work well with Imanitib (Glivec) to improve the chemotherapy affects. I’m trying this now. I’m also taking berberine, feverfew, dandelion and omega 3. There’s people who are taking Loratatine (Claratyne) anti histamines to reduce the metastatic rate - I’d be careful with this one though. There’s also a lot of talk about Fenbendazole, a pet medication that reduces tumours! It really gets confusing.   I’m also keeping up the exercise and doing a lot of yoga. Really strict with my diet that is mostly plant based, fish and no red meat. I’m also keeping my cholesterol right down - I’ve had experience that this works in my MGUS. Also working hard to get my gut in good condition - too much evidence out there that our immunity system is really dependent on it. All the best and keep in touch and please feel free to comment on anything I’ve mentioned, good or bad.  Reuben.   ... View more

Hi everyone. I’ve just joined up with this forum tonight. I had a gist removed (5cm) from my duodenum in 2012. Pathology stated that it was benign and my surgeon did a CT scan about 4 months later to check on his work.  He cleared me and said I was fine and to get on with my life. In December 2019 I was diagnosed with tumours (14)  in the liver - I could not convince anyone it might be related to my first Gist in 2012. I underwent a lot of unnecessary scans and tests until a biopsy confirmed metastatic gist, the largest was 13cm. I’m now on Glivec which is shrinking the tumours quite well. There has been a lot of stuff ups along the way and I’m not overly confident in my medical team. Does anyone know of a really good gist specialist anywhere from Sydney to Newcastle who they would recommend? If anyone wants to talk alternative strategies to compliment their Glivec I’d like to contribute to than conversation. All the best to everyone. Reuben ... View more